ESL educator wins 2024 National Teacher of the Year
Newsy
Missy Testerman, a beloved teacher of English as a second language in Tennessee, has enjoyed a career in education for at least 31 years.
Her students know her as Mrs. Testerman, and now the country knows her as the 2024 National Teacher of the Year.
Tennessee English as a second language instructor Missy Testerman was awarded the prize after an over three-decades-long career in education, most recently serving as the Rogersville City School program director.
Known in her community for acting as a mentor and an advocate, Testerman was awarded the honor after over 35 years since a Tennessee teacher last received the recognized prize in education, Scripps News Nashville reported. As part of the requirements as the latest recipient of the award, Testerman is expected to travel around the United States acting as an ambassador and advocate for teachers across the country.
The National Teacher of the Year Program said Testerman has been known to build "bridges between cultures" in her rural Appalachian community.
The organization said Testerman plans to spend a year working to represent educators, "empowering teachers to advocate for students and fellow educators by using their voices and sharing their experiences with those outside of the classroom."
